Metal building construction

ABSTRACT

A metal building construction system includes a plurality of interfitting components for general purpose building requirements. Channel members of &#34;C&#34;-shaped cross-section define studs, headers and joists which are interconnected by means of adapters at the eaves and roof ridge. The adapters and channel members are attachable to one another at repetitive patterns of connection holes. The repetitive patterns of holes are also provided for engagement with siding and roofing, each of which has correctly-dimensioned structure for engaging the repeating patterns of holes and also for engaging a successive strip of such siding and roofing. Structural braces are also provided, as well as trim and incidental devices adapted for interconnecting certain specific parts, whereby a general purpose system applicable to a wide range of dimensions and designs is possible.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 496,960, filedMay 23, 1983, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,551,957.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of building construction, and inparticular to a system of standardized matched components for metalframing and finishing of structures, for universal application andadapted to achieve a traditional external appearance.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A number of construction systems have been conceived which purport to bebased upon a limited number of standardized elements. Similarly, metalbuilding construction has been attempted using durable metal framepieces, for example, extruded beams, studs and the like. The prior artsystems include many conveniences of manufacture or interconnectionapplicable to a limited range of structural designs. The known systems,however, have been impractical for building houses and the like for moreuniversal design, especially according to high-quality traditionallayouts, which vary widely. The prior art systems have lacked either theconvenience of complete standardization and few parts, or on the otherhand, have been so standardized as to make them useful for only a fewcertain types of buildings, for example, simple box-like structures.

In U.S. Pat. No. 3,001,615, metal studding is disclosed to includestructure for supporting lengths of interior wall panel. The studs areadapted to fit endwise into upwards and downwards facing channel membersof U-shaped cross-section. Such metal studding is well known and usefulto replace less durable wood studding, but is not well adapted forbearing structural loads efficiently. Moreover, the known studdingdesigns must be custom fitted by the installer, and unlike the presentinvention, lack dimensional inter-relationships with a variety offurther parts of the building.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,035,697--Felber teaches a building construction in whichjoists are bolted or pivotally connected to a junction of vertical studsand horizontal headers. The joists are connected endwise to one anotherin pairs by a member at the junction along a roof ridge. Pivotalconnections are relatively easily made, but concentrate loads at thepivot, and also allow some relative movement of connected parts.Similarly, connections which are based entirely on bolts, rivets or thelike depend heavily on the connection elements to bear loads. The studs,joists and beams of Felber are made of pre-cast concrete, rather thanmetal. Such a system is unwieldy for structures on the range ofdwellings and also lacks a standardized interconnection scheme forvarious other necessary parts such as siding elements, roofing elements,interior fixtures and trim.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,095,434--Calkins, et al., and 2,023,814--Lindsey,concern small-scale metal structures, having a simple externalappearance quite unlike the traditional family home. Such structureshave recently become popular as backyard outbuildings and utility shacksfor various uses. The structures are characterized by theinterconnection of panels according to a strict and invariable designrather than the more variable building of a frame of studs, joists andheaders to be externally covered by siding and roofing, and internallyby wallboard and trim elements. The structures of these shacks areconvenient for interconnection of parts, but are so fully specified thattheir benefits cannot be readily extended to varied structural andexternal features typical of traditional homes.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,893,636--Ridgway uses metal members to frame houses inan attempt to provide more or less conventional structures which benefitfrom durable metal framing elements. The Ridgway framing system,however, is based upon combinations of individual rectangular modules inthe manner of framing panels which are placed side to side and one atopanother, and are connected to form larger panels by a plurality ofclamps connecting abutting panel frames.

The art of building construction is quite developed in terms of buildingstructures to support loads, interconnection of beams and otherelements, and prefabrication of elements. In an effort to maximizeconvenience of construction, the art has turned to systems which arenon-standard for practical purposes. Fully prefabricated modular systemsdetract from the designer's options in varying the possible layout anddesign to be executed. The present invention departs from the priorart's use of fully prefabricated modular elements, and instead reliesupon a novel connection of improved framing elements and surface formingelements which are universally interconnectable. The parts all aredimensioned such that they are connectable at any of a plurality ofincremental relative positions by means of repeating patterns ofconnection holes. The structure of the invention is thereforeprefabricated in the sense that all the parts are standardized andinterfittable. At the same time the invention is universal becausealthough the parts are prefabricated, they can be practically connectedin innumerable ways along the complementary dimensioned interconnectionsto form innumerable different structures.

The basic element of the invention, a channel member having asquared-off "C"-shaped cross-section, functions as stud, joist andheader. Adapters for connecting the channel members at the eaves and atthe roof ridge fit snugly within the C-shaped cross-section and engagethe full inner surface of the channel member, whereby the structurebears loads far in excess of what may be expected from connectionsrelying only on bolts or like connection elements. In fact, the elementsshare structural loads and are therefore much stronger than knownprefabricated systems, conventional metal stud systems, and the like.

Both the siding and roofing are comprised of strip elements which may beserially connected along interfitting edges. Each strip has a first edgedefining a protrusion, a second edge defining a receptacle, and anattachment flange which is affixed to the frame element, then covered bya successive strip. An engagement structure, including the same form ofprotrusion, is provided on starting elements for the siding and for theroofing, for example, at the lower edge of the siding and at the loweredge of the roof eaves. The required structure is thus repeated from thestarting elements to the upper edge of such siding and/or roofing strip.

According to the invention, the builder is provided with a series ofmatched interfitting elements which can be combined as desired tocorrespond in part to traditional elements such as studding, siding androofing. The builder can therefore produce virtually any requiredstructure. The elements, however, are stronger and more convenientlyused than either traditional or formerly known prefabricated structuresdue to the standardized dimensions and spacing of elements that allowsthe wide range of structures to be accomplished, with virtually nocustom fitting of parts, no cutting and no need to provide aligned holesfor attachments. The result is a durable and attractive structurebenefitting from the best features of prefabrication and the best ofcustom design. An external appearance characteristic of the most artfultraditional building is provided, together with the great durability andstrength of a beamed metal structure. Not only the roofing, siding andexternal portions, but the internal wall and trim portions as wellbenefit from the plan of interfitting parts and fittings, which trulyfacilitate a standardized construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a building system whichproduces a wide variety of structurally strong and durable buildingsusing matched parts, standardized for easy and inexpensive assembly.

It is also an object of the invention to standardize conventionalconstructions based upon adapting building construction elements of ageneral type traditional to single-family and moderate-sized buildings,using very durable metal construction elements which are universallyinterconnectable at any required alignment and spacing.

It is another object of the invention to provide a building system inwhich more durable elements than conventional building elements are madeeasily and precisely interconnectable at required alignments, by use ofa minimum number of additional elements which fully engage abuttingparts at specific interconnection points, pemitting very stronghigh-speed, and very precise construction at any of an immense pluralityof predetermined incremental sizes and shapes of buildings.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a full-scale buildingsystem that is likewise applicable to reduced scale educational toys,architectural models and building training devices.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a system forproducing structures of maximum durability and maximum variety, atminimum expense in parts and in labor for the interconnetion of parts.

These and other objects are accomplished by a metal buildingconstruction system including a plurality of interfitting components forgeneral purpose building requirements. Channel members of "C"-shapedcross-section define studs, headers and joists which are interconnectedby means of adapters at the eaves and roof ridge. The adapters andchannel members are attachable to one another at repetitive patterns ofconnection holes. The repetitive patterns of holes are also provided forengagement with siding and roofing, each of which hascorrectly-dimensioned structure for engaging the repeating patterns ofholes and also for engaging a successive strip of such siding androofing. Structural braces are also provided, as well as trim and partsfor adapting interconnecting certain specific parts, whereby a generalpurpose system applicable to a wide range of dimensions and designs ispossible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There are shown in the drawings the embodiments which are presentlypreferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in thedrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a finished structure according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stage in construction of a buildingaccording to the invention, showing some internal framing elements;

FIG. 3 is a section view taken along lines 3--3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail section view of the indicated portion ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a stage of construction;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a stage of construction;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a segment of channel according to theinvention;

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of an eaves adapter according to theinvention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a roof ridge adapter according to theinvention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a siding starter member according tothe invention;

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of a stud bracket according to theinvention;

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of a reinforced joist and header structure;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a wind brace attachment;

FIG. 14 is an elevation view taken alone lines 14--14 in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a partial section view of a corner of the building, takenalong lines 15--15 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 16 is an elevation view of a partially-assembled door or windowframe;

FIG. 17 is a view taken along lines 17--17 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a section view taken along lines 18--18 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a section of door or window framing;

FIG. 20 is another elevation of a portion of door or window framing;and,

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an interconnection of window framingand siding along a windowsill.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The system of the invention is useful for producing structures such asdetached dwellings, according to traditional designs. The invention isillustrated, as in FIGS. 1 and 2, with reference to a traditional ranchdesign for a single family home, that is, a structure on one level. Itshould be appreciated that the system of the invention is likewiseapplicable to buildings with multiple stories, split levels, A-frameconstructions and the like.

Finished structure 30, for example the ranch house shown, comprises aplurality of vertical walls on the sides and ends, sections of wallhaving interspersed windows and doors. Traditional construction detailsinclude a sloping roof rising to peak 34, a recessed wall portion 36defining an entryway adjacent the door 44, and a number of trimfeatures. Horizontally-aligned elongated siding panels 40 give theappearance of traditional horizontal wood slat siding, running along thesides of the house and between windows 42 and the various doors 44, 46.Door 46 is shown, for example, as a garage door on the end of the house,under gable 32. An overhung edge of the roof is provided around theentire periphery, namely at eaves 38. Such an overhang occurs at boththe sides and at the gabled end. Fascia coverings close spaces notdirectly covered by siding or roofing.

As shown in FIG. 2, the house is essentially supported by a series ofspaced ribs, each of which has two joists 60, one header 62 and twostuds 54, and which together define a skeleton. The studs 54 are spacedand attached together along the sides of the building to provide anintegral structure by means of spreader bars 58, running horizontallybetween the studs. The studs associated with the sides of the house,that is, studs 54, are all of equal length. The studs 56 on the gableends are of progressively longer length from the ends to the roof peak34.

A number of the traditional features of the house 30 are based uponbuilding construction considerations relating to the use of traditionalbuilding elements. Such features have come to be associated with qualityconstruction, and although not strictly necessary for shelter orstructural support, have come to be considered necessities for manybuildings, such as dwellings. For example, the overhang 38 is useful tosome extent to keep rain and the like from falling on the siding of thehouse. However, it is believed that the overhang developed over theyears primarily as a result of convenience in attaching the joists andstuds. Such an overhang is not strictly required in a metal framedsystem of building elements because the joists and studs are directlyconnectable. Nevertheless, such an overhang has come to be expected inquality constructions. Similar considerations apply to the overhangs atgable end and at the eaves. The system of the invention is particularlyadapted to reflect the preferred traditional structure, notwithstandingthe fact that the elements are universally interconnectableprefabricated metal elements.

The overall structure 30 is supported by a skeleton of structuralelements including side studs 54, headers 62 and joists 60. As shown inFIGS. 2, 3 and 5, a pair of joists 54 on opposite sides of the buildingare connected by means of a single header 62 and a pair of joists 60.The connection of the stud 54, header 62 and one of the joists 60 isaccomplished by means of an inserted adapter element 110, whereby theabutting connections of the roof joists to studs and to a header is madeunusually strong. A similar interconnection between the joiststhemselves along the roof ridge is accomplished by means of ridgeadapter 118. The eaves adapter 110 and ridge adapter 118 cause anintimate mechanical interconnection of the C-channel members which areused for the headers, joists and studs, whereby the load-bearingcapabilities of the channel members are effectively multiplied. This isaccomplished because the intimate interconnection along the entire innerarea of each C-channel permits the load to be shared between theconnected structural elements rather than born only by the bolts or likeconnectors.

The unusual strength of the connected parts according to the inventionallows building of relatively larger structures without need toincorporate additional bracing, and also permits use of fewer supportingframe elements for a structure of a given size, as compared toconventional building means. The studs 54, headers 62 and joists 60 areintimately connected to one another across a given width of thebuilding. The studs are attached endwise to the foundation, andsuccessively to one another. Therefore, each of the studs supports theusual compression load, and also tends to cooperatively bear loadstransmitted from the other elements. Similarly, the headers support theusual tension load and also bear and transmit loads applied to theremaining elements. The full connections between the adapter elementsand the frame elements fix the frame elements both in position and inrelative orientation. The connections accordingly define a cantileveredstructure in which virtually all the frame components are involved insupporting all parts of the load. This applies not only to support ofdead weights of building materials, but also to variable loads such aswind, and vibrational or noise-causing forces of various descriptions.

FIG. 7 illustrates a length of channel material 150. The channel membercomprises a wide face 152, preferably having a series of large openings154 therein, to reduce the weight of the chanel member 150. Alsoprovided are a plurality of connection holes 156 on wide face 152 andalso side faces 158 and flanges 162. The connection holes are laid outto align with connection holes in each of the other pieces whichinterfit with the channel member. Accordingly, the channel material 150can be provided in standard lengths, or if necessary, cut at anyincrement of the predetermined spacing of connection holes, and willinterfit with all other parts of the system without the need to form newconnection holes. Therefore, alignment is assured. Thesubstantially-enclosed cross-section of the C-channel engages the outersurface of adapter elements inserted therein. The inserted elements maybe the eaves adaptor 110 or ridge adapter 118, or a length ofappropriately dimensioned inserted rectangular tubing can be inserted toconnect lengths of channel end-to-end, etc.

With reference to FIG. 2, the side studs 54 are all of a standardlength, for example eight feet, except at openings for windows 42.Likewise, the headers 62 are of a standard length, defined by theoverall depth of the structure, as are joists 60. The gable end studs 56are increasingly longer progressing from the corner to the peak, and theincrement at which the connection holes repeat on channel material 150is set to complement the standardized spacing of studs and the angleschosen for interconnection adapters 110 and 118.

The pitch of the joists can be varied among a series of angles which arerelated to the spacing of the gable end studs and the increment at whichthe connection holes repeat. The pitch as defined by eaves adapter 110and ridge adapter 118 can be set to any angle at which the spaced studswill have connection holes aligned with the connection holes on thejoists. Therefore, a given spacing of connection holes and a givenspacing of studs will still allow a range of pitches. Assuming, forexample, a six inch hole repeat and a two foot spacing, pitches havingtangents of 6/24 (14°2'), 12/24 (26°34'), 18/24 (36°52') will fitprecisely correctly in the scheme of inter-related parts.

Building studs are traditionally located at 16 inch centers; the studsof the invention are preferably at two-foot centers, and this latterspacing is likewise well adapted for use with off-the-shelf finishingmaterials such as interior wall paneling (often four feet by eight feet)and the like. The joists 60 may be aligned with respect to the headersat a "standard" pitch angle defining a one-foot increase in height forevery two feet along header 62, namely an angle of about 26 degrees, 34minutes. In this manner, the two-feet centers of the studs, includinggable end studs 58, translate into a need for studs 58 at one-footincrementally larger lengths. All the joists 60 are aligned at thesubject angle with respect to horizontal by virtue of eaves adapters110. The joists are connected at the complementary angle, namely about137 degrees, by roof ridge adapter 118. These angles of course remainthe same regardless of the length of joists 60 and headers 62. Gable endstuds 58 are thus merely provided at the one-foot incremental lengthsrequired, at two-feet spacing, to frame out the entire structure. Allportions of channel material are provided with repetitive patterns ofattachment holes. The frequency of repetition is matched to the angle ofthe eaves and ridge adapter. It is presently preferred that the patternrepeat at a six inch interval, thereby matching the one foot joistincrement and the two foot stud spacing by integer multiples.

An individual "rib" defined by a pair of connected joists 60, attachedto a pair of studs 54 and a header 62, is precisely spaced from the nextrib by means of spreader bars 58, which hold successive studs attwo-foot centers. In particular, channel member 150 is preferably twoinches wide along face 158, such that a spreader 58 having a twenty-twoinch length precisely spaces the successive studs at two-foot centers.Spreader bars 58, as shown in cross-section in FIG. 3, may be lengths ofsimple angle iron having opened flanged ends with connection holesaligned to engage connection holes 156 on channel member 150. Thespreader bars 58 are preferably included between side studs 54, betweengable studs 58, and also between headers 62. The spreader bars may alsoinclude holes or other connection means for supporting internal fixturessuch as wallboard and the like. Similarly, electrical and plumbingconnections can be likewise dimensioned for use in said incrementallengths and attachment to the standard elements as above. It ispresently preferred that the inner surfaces of the structure beinsulated using polyurethane foam, and finished internally usingconventional wood and plaster materials.

Wind braces 66, shown in FIGS. 5, 13 and 14, are provided to exert adiagonal force preventing the tendency of orthogonally-connectedstructures to pivot at their junctions. The wind braces may definestructurally solid triangles. The braces may also be connected, forexample, between eaves adapters 110 and intermediate areas along sidestuds 54. Clearance holes 122 are provided in the eaves adapters suchthat the wind brace 66 passes through the adapter 110 for an angularconnection to a surface of the adapter, using an angled flange clip 124and a bolt 126. In this manner, the brace 66 can be tensioned to resistany tendency of the structure to wobble, for example, under the stressof wind.

The lowermost edge of each of the studs 54, 56 is likewise anchored. Asillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, it is presently preferred that theanchoring of the studs be accomplished together with a means foraffixing the lowermost strip of siding. The structure is illustratedsupported upon a concrete slab. It will be appreciated that a slab isnot strictly necessary, and other structures which facilitate an endwiseconnection of studs 54, 56 can likewise be used for support, such asconcrete footers, brick walls, lower levels of studding, framingelements of a different description, or the like. The structure will bedescribed with reference to a foundation in the form of a concrete slab90. In order to provide a secure endwise connection between studs 54, 56and the concrete slab, connector bracket 96 is attached to the side ofthe stud, and also to the side of concrete slab 90, by means ofconnection holes provided in the bracket, aligning at least with therepetitive spaced holes of channel material 150. Bracket 96 affixes ashort face 158 of the stud channel, and also to a side face of concreteslab 90, and the connection may be supplemented by use of a brackethaving a L-shaped cross-section, the standing leg of the "L" beingconnected to an opposite end 158 of the channel, and also connected bymeans of a vertically oriented bolt into the top surface of slab 90.Such a connection is shown in FIG. 3.

According to a prior art structure having fasteners (e.g. nails)connecting elongated bodies such as studs and headers (e.g., of wood), aload such as wind will bear against the stud and will urge the structuretoward collapse by urging the stud to fall over, that is, to rotatearound its mounting to the floor. For example, if the structure of FIG.3 was subjected to a load from the right, a resultant force would seekto move header 62 and joist 60 toward the left, and to rotate stud 54 tothe left around its connection to slab 90. If the connections of joist,header and studs were each pivotal, the structure (a parallelogram incross-section) would collapse easily. Although pivotal connection at theeaves would not be advisable, the typical builder according to the priorart would make the connection using only pin-like fasteners (e.g. screwsor nails) running for the most part parallel to the pivot axis. Theconnection of the invention is superior because even without regard tofasteners (which are, of course, used), the full engagement of theinserted legs of rigid adapter 110 in the C-shaped channels of studs 54,header 62 and joists 60 will very strongly resist any such movement.Moreover, the channel is itself rigid such that the eaves adapters 110on both sides of a header 62 tend to share any loading.

Connection of the lowermost piece of siding to the channel isfacilitated by adding a member having a downwardly directed projectionfor engaging an edge of a lowermost strip of the siding. This sidingstarter member 92, shown in FIG. 10, may also comprise the L-shapedportion for connection to the inner side of a stud. However, in order toinclude connecting bracket 96, openings 94 are provided along the lengthof starter strip 92. The openings occur at said spaced two-footintervals which is the standard spacing of studs, as separated by thespreader bars. Accordingly, each of the parts is seen to be dimensionedto be fit on the job, without need for trimming or custom fitting, toincremental multiples of the basic repeating dimensions.

The particular fastening means for interconnecting channel members,adapters, siding, roofing and other portions of the structure can be ofany convenient type. Screws, rivets or nut-and-bolt arrangements arepossible. It is presently preferred that hex-head sheet metal screws beemployed for most of the connections, which type which can beconveniently driven using electric drills having nut driverscrew-engagement chucks. The connection holes are already provided atthe incremental spacings in each of the interfitting members, andmoreover, the connection hole align precisely at each of the increments.Therefore, no other holes need be provided and the user need only affixthe connection members to pre-formed, pre-aligned holes in order tocomplete assembly.

It will be appreciated that the spacing of openings 94 in siding startermember 92 has the effect of positioning the studs 54, 56 precisely atthe edge of the slab. A projecting nub 130 is provided on the starterstrip, and likewise a nub is provided on each piece of siding androofing to be interconnected in order to define the surface structure ofthe buiding. The nub is conveniently formed as a loop-like bend in thecross-section of the sheet metal strip. The interconnection is shown incross-section in FIG. 3. Each piece of siding has a first edge which isdimensioned to fit over and engage projecting nub 130 along its length.Adjacent an opposite edge, each piece of siding and roofing has astructure which defines another similar projecting nub 130, forengagement by the successive piece of siding. Immediately beyond theprojecting nub, at the extreme edge, is a flange for attachment directlyto the stud, whereby the strips of siding are engaged to one another andalso locked to the studs, providing a strong and attractive connectionalong the entire wall and/or roof. Siding strips 78 as shown are creasedto define two separate slat portions, between connections to the stud,for example, adjacent projection 130. The slats simulate the appearanceof wood siding, and may be of any desired width, or any multiple ofslats between connecting points. Roofing 82 is preferably substantiallyflat between connecting nubs, providing a more traditional appearancereflecting conventional construction elements, namely roofing shingles.

An overhang is provided around the entire periphery of the structure bymeans of extensions on the joists, for the sides of the structure, andoutward-directed gable extensions 114 along the ends. These elements areprimarily for appearance and for protection from sun and rain.Therefore, their connections to underlying structural elements need notbe extensive, as for supporting loads. Gable end brackets 114 arepreferably attached to the endmost stud by means of angle iron or thelike. The joist-extending brackets 140 are preferably simply sheet metalbodies having L-shaped cross-sections, the leg of the "L" being placedupon and attached over the upper surface of the eaves adapter 110, andconnected the same as the remaining components. An additionalsuplementary flange 142, namely a short L-shaped member, is alsoattached at the opposite lower corner of extension 140, in order toprovide a flat connection point on said lower corner for a fascia cover.Also attached thereto, and covering the joist end, is a piece of fasciasimilar to siding starter 92 which defines another projecting nub 130,for starting the interconnecting series of roofing portions 82.

FIG. 4 illustrates in detail the interconnection of covering elements atthe junction of the joist extension 140 and the side stud 54. An angledflange bar 144 is attached to the top of stud 54 before the last layerof siding is affixed. The last layer of siding is then hooked over theupper projection and, together with an edge of fascia 84, is forcedunder the angled bracket 144, completing the connection at the junction.At the outer lower corner of joist extension 140, the fascia member isconnected by means of an exposed screw to supporting flange 142, and endfascia portion 146. The end fascia portion is provided with a projectingstructure 130, for starting the roofing connection on the upper side ofextension 140. In this manner, the siding, fascia and roofing areattached together at the standard dimensional increments, and alsoattached to the underlying stud and joist extension structure, from theslab 90 to the roof ridge.

FIG. 6 illustrates the covering portion which completes the structure atthe roof ridge. Ridge cap 86 overlaps the last projection of theuppermost pieces of roofing strip. The roofing strips, of course, defineincremental lengths which progress from the joist extension 140 to theroof ridge. In order to seal the ridge, and accommodate the gap whichremains between the uppermost roof strips and the precise ridge, ridgecap 86 is provided. The cap is wide enough to bridge at least one fullroofing segment increment, thereby finishing the structure.

On the gable ends, extensions 114, which are short lengths of C-channel,function analogously to joist extensions 140, supporting fascia stripsin the same manner, except requiring an angular connection due to thesloping nature of the gable overhang. It is presently preferred that thebottom edge of brackets 114 be provided with angular flanges forsupporting fascia from below, and that the upper edge of fascia coveringthe ends of extensions 114 be allowed to overlap the roofing. Suitablesealing is recommended.

Framing at the corners, and around windows, doors and the like, is shownin FIGS. 15-21. As shown in FIG. 15, the corners of the structure arecovered with a trim element 74, leaving an open plenum for use as aconduit or the like. End brackets 76 conceal the edges of siding 78.Similar end brackets are provided at the framing of doors and windows,which is accomplished using special studs 52. Studs 52 include astructure defining a stop 136 which is used, for example, to support awindow structure, or to hold a door at closed position. FIG. 15illustrates the use of window framing stud 52, and the engagement ofsiding 78 by means of end cover 76, which is merely a trim channelhaving an edge covering the edge of the siding.

FIGS. 16-18 show the framing of a door or window. Special studs 52,having a special cross-section with raised stops 136, define the openingof the door or window. An additional similar door or window header isattached horizontally, and has a downwardly directed stop 136. Along thewidth of the door or window, the usual studs 54 are provided and areendwise connected to the header bar. Connections may be made as shown byangle irons or the like.

As shown in FIG. 8, the upper portion of window trim includes anothersiding starter 68, also having the usual projecting connection nub 130.If desired, siding starter 68 can be covered with an end cover 76, asused at the end of the siding strips.

Perspective views illustrating the interconnection of the window framingstuds 52, regular studs 54 and angle irons 88 are shown in FIGS. 19-21.With reference to FIG. 21, the stud frame element forming the sill for awindow can be specially formed to include a rolled edge 138, which hooksover and engages a special piece of siding 148, thereby allowingconnection of an upper edge of a siding strip without the need for aconnection flange or projecting nub 130. Such a construction requiresthat the sill having rolled edge 138 be installed after the upper edgeof siding is in place.

According to the foregoing description, the construction elements of theinvention can be universally attached at any incremental size desired.Extremely large structures, or large multiple-story structures may atsome point require the inclusion of additional vertical members tosupport the additional weight. It is believed that the metal studdedconstruction according to the invention is perfectly adequate forsupporting the load of traditional single-family dwellings, and alsomultiple-story buildings up to three or four stories. In the event thatlong header and gable beams are required, additional support may be hadby use of trusses running between the joists and headers as in FIG. 12.For structures which are unusually large in a vertical direction, studs54, 56 can be doubled or supplemented by a number of additionalload-bearing members, such as along the headers in the enclosed portionof the structure.

Even if stretched to the design limitations of structural size, thesystem of the present invention is highly superior to traditionalbuilding elements in both strength and ease of manufacture and use. Atthe other end of the range of scales, the incremental interfittingnature of the parts of the invention make it well adapted for smallscale uses including toy construction sets and the like. In suchdevices, the separable fasteners can be replaced by formed push-fitinterfitting projections and cavities, also repeating at the basicdimensional increment. Such a small scale construction set can mirrorthe full scale system, being thereby useful as a training device forusers, and as a means of trying new design ideas for buildings and forneighborhoods. The various elements of the invention can be formed fromrelatively light weight aluminum of about 20 gauge, extruded or easilybent from sheets of the metal. The parts may therefore be produced at arelatively low cost, which cost saving is made even more remarkable bythe savings in labor costs during construction and the extremedurability of the resulting structure. The system has been describedwith reference to full scale metal parts, but it will be appreciatedthat other materials may also be used successfully. In addition toaluminum at 20 gauge, other thicknesses of aluminum, coated materials,steel or other metals, plastics or other structural products can beemployed in suitable environments, in each case benefitting from thefeatures of the invention.

The device of the invention is capable of a number of modificationswithout departing from the spirit thereof. Reference should be made tothe appended claims rather than the foregoing specification asindicating the true scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A building constructed with a primaryload-bearing frame structure erected on a foundation from sets ofprefabricated structural members, comprising:a plurality of girdermembers, adapted for horizontal, vertical and diagonal orientation in aprimary load-bearing frame structure, the girder members forming studs,headers and joists depending upon the orientation thereof, eachprefabricated with identical channel-shaped cross-sections of uniformweb width and a repeating pattern of connection holes, the girders beingformed in a plurality of lengths in increments corresponding to the sizeof the hole pattern; a plurality of plate members, each prefabricatedwith at least two webs having the repeating pattern of connection holesformed therein, the respective webs of each girder and each plate memberbeing dimensioned to enable the respective webs to abut one another insubstantially flush engagement and with the respective patterns ofconnection holes in alignment with one another; standardized attachmentmeans rigidly engageable with the girder and plate members through theconnection holes to provide full surface engagement of the web portions,whereby a plurality of frame structures for buildings, of varied sizeand shape, may be easily constructed from sets of prefabricated girdermembers and prefabricated plate members secured together by standardizedattachment means, whereby primary loads are borne by and transmittedbetween the girder and plate members, the web portions bearing againstone another to provide high rotational rigidity and overall framestiffness; and, means for securing at least some of the girder membersto a foundation.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:means forholding the girder members at predetermined spaced intervals from oneanother; siding strips for attachment to the studs; and, roofing stripsfor attachment to the joists, the siding strips and roofing strips eachbeing dimensioned to multiples of a predetermined length and width, thepredetermined length corresponding to multiples of the spaced intervalsand the predetermined width corresponding to multiples of a dimension ofthe repeating pattern of connection holes, whereby the siding androofing strips may be affixed directly to the girder members by thestandardized attachment means.
 3. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one eaves bracket, said eaves bracket aligned withthe joist and defining an extension of the joist over the stud, thebracket having openings adapted for alignment with the repeating holesfor the engagement of standardized attachment means.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising spreaders attachable perpendicularly to thestuds and headers, the spreaders spacing the studs and headers to definea skeleton for supporting the siding and roofing.
 5. The system of claim1, further comprising a starter member for endwise attaching the girdermembers to a concrete slab, the starter member having flanges forreceiving attachment means, the flanges defining a receiving channel forreceiving ends of the girder members, the starter member beingengageable with the slab.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein said startermember has a protruding engagement structure having a hook-shapedcross-section, the engagement structure extending away from the girdermembers and being directed downwardly.
 7. The system of claim 6, furthercomprising a plurality of siding strips, each of said strips havingengagement structure comprising an upper edge of hook-shapedcross-section, extending from said upper edge and directed downwardly,said upper edge also having means for attachment to the channel members,the strips having a lower edge dimensioned to fit the hook-shapedcross-section of the engagement structure of an adjacent strip orstarter member, whereby said strips can be attached to said startermember, interattached and attached to said girder members along thestuds.
 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising an eaves starterpiece with engagement structure having an upper hook-shapedcross-section aligned outwardly with respect to the joist, and roofingstrips having a first, lower edge dimensioned to fit the hook-shapedcross-section of the engagement structure and a second, upper edge,having means for attachment to the joists and hook-shaped engagementstructure for engaging the first, lower edge of an adjacent roofingstrip.
 9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a ridge cap forcovering a last upper strip of roofing adjacent a junction of saidjoists, the ridge cap being at least as wide as a roofing strip, theridge cap having openings adapted for alignment with the repeatingpattern of connection holes for the engagement of standardizedattachment means.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising meansfor attaching said girder members perpendicularly along the lengththereof, whereby studs are formed along ends and corners of said studsand headers.